Folding crate.



W. GILLINGHAIVI.

FOLDING CRATE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I6, 19H- Patented June 15, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

f f f wf m of, J @if n M I THE NORIEIS PETERS C0.. PHONLITHD., WASHINGmN. DA C W. GILLINGHAIVI.

FOLDING CRATE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 16, |911.

Patented J une 15, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WILLIAM GILLINGI-IAIVI, OF LITTLETON, WEST VIRGINIA.

FOLDING CRATE.

aliases.

and useful Improvements in Folding Crates,

of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to crates, and more particularly to the class of folding shipping crates.

rllhis invention relates to detachable tops for crates and more particularly to a door mounted for slidable movement within the top, the primary object of the invention being the provision of a detachable top wherein the slidable door is so arranged that upon slight movement to either side of its normal position, an opening will be eX- posed having an area great enough to allow the entrance of live stock.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a crate constructed in accordance with the invention, shown in upright position. Fig. 2 is a top plan view. Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the crate. Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the crate folded. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the crate folded. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top section, looking toward its inner or bottom face.

Similarl reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings by numerals, the crate comprises a bottom 5, preferably solid, although the same may be slatted in the ordinary well-known manner, and has fixed at opposite ends thereof strips or ledges 6 which rise vertically a distance from the inner face of said bottom. To these strips or ledges 6 are connected inwardly foldable end sections 7, the same being connected to said strips or ledges 6 by means of hinges 8, whereby said end sections may be swung inwardly toward and outwardly from the bottom, and connected to the bottom 5, at opposite longitudinal side edges, are inwardly foldable side sections 9, the same being connected thereto by means of hinges 10, whereby the said side sections may fold inwardly toward and outwardly from the said bottom, the side sections, when folded inwardly onto the bottom, are adapted to lie beneath the end sections 7 when folded.

Specification of Letters Patent. Paggntgd Jun@ 1159 1915 Application led May 16, 1911.

Serial No. 627,460.

Secured to the under face of the bottom 5, at opposite longitudinal edges thereof, are runner cleats 11, which, when contacting with the ground, will hold the bottom slightly raised therefrom, the cleats being also designed to reinforce the bottom and protect it from damage when the crate is being transported from one point to another.

Secured to the corners of the end and side sections 7 and 9 are metal corner clips 12, which strengthen the said sections, the

latter being composed of united longitudinal and transverse slats. rllhe side and end sections, medially of the inner longitudinal slats, are formed with recesses 13, in which are fitted coiled springs 14, the ends of the springs being connected to the sections, cross strips, and bottom respectively, and are designed to automatically swing the said sections outwardly, after the same have been folded on removal of the top section, as will be presently described.

Formed medially in the end sections, at the top edges thereof, and also near opposite ends of the side sections, at the top edges thereof, are sockets 15, in which detachably engage depending pins 16 fixed in the removable top section 17, comprising a frame 18, including spaced inner longitudinal slats 19 and spaced transverse slats 20, united thereto, the intermediate pair of transverse slats 20 being cut away to form an elongated door opening 20, in which is disposed a slidable door 21, in the upper face of which are mounted guide eyes 22, the latter slidably engaging spaced parallel guide wires 23 disposed longitudinally across the upper face of the removable top section, the ends of the guide wires being suitably secured at opposite ends of the said removable top section. Thus, it will be seen that the door 21 will have its outer face flush with the outer faces of the cross slats of the removable top section, and is capable of being slid in the door way for the opening and closing thereof, so that poultry may be introduced into and removed from the crate, when set up in a convenient manner.

Pivoted to the inner longitudinal slats 19 are pivoted keeper members 24, which are adapted to be swung into engagement with the door 21 for locking the same, as any movement of the door brings certain sides of the slats forming the door into contact with certain sides of the keeper members.

Mounted in the frame 18- of the removable top section 17, on opposite side bars thereof, are hook catches 25, which are adapted to engage in eye members 26 secured inthe inner longitudinal slats of the side sections 9, when the latter and the end sections have been folded inwardly forl securingv theremovable top section on the crate body, when in collapsed condition for compactness and easy transportation thereof when not in use.

l/Vhen the crate is in set up condition, these catches 26 are adapted to be `brought into locked engagement with suitable eye members 27 carried by the outer longitudinal slats of the side sections 9, thereby fastening the removable top section in place on the crate body.

From the foregoing, taken in connectionV with the accompanying drawings, the construction and operation of the invention will be readily understood, without requiring a more extended explanation, and therefore, the same has been omitted.

width approximately one-third the width of the said opening so that when the door is moved to either side of its normal central position a space will be exposed of an area great enough to allow the passage of live stock into the crate.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM GILLINGHAM. Witnesses:

CLEM YEATER,

Y R. W. REGER.

Copies-of this patent may he obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of ZPatents Washington, D. C. 

